Dr. Meghan Loher, OD

Dr. Meghan Loher, OD is a Sarasota, FL-based optometrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive optometric care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is a vital partner in preventive health, committed to providing personalized care for all ages, from infants to seniors. Your optometrist is your primary partner in lifelong eye health, providing preventive care, vision correction, early disease detection, personalized health plans, and coordinating screenings to ensure your best possible vision and overall wellness.

Dr. Meghan OD's approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine. She strives to create a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. As a provider in Sarasota, FL, Dr. Meghan Loher, OD is committed to helping you achieve and maintain optimal eye health, recognizing that proactive care is key to a healthy life. Patients should call (941) 893-6109 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Meghan OD provides consultations primarily in English. She is an optometrist in Sarasota, FL, dedicated to preventative care and comprehensive eye health for all ages. Her practice prioritizes the patient-provider partnership, empowering patients to actively participate in their eye health journey.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Meghan OD is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Meghan OD can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Meghan OD provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Hordeolum: Early detection of a hordeolum, or stye, is crucial for managing discomfort and preventing complications, such as secondary infections.
• Primary Congenital Glaucoma: Primary congenital glaucoma is a rare condition where babies are born with drainage problems in their eyes, leading to increased pressure and potential vision loss, highlighting the importance of regular infant eye exams for early detection and prevention of serious complications.
• Ocular Displacement: Ocular displacement, or misalignment of the eyes, can lead to vision problems and even amblyopia ('lazy eye') if not detected and treated early in childhood.
• Conjunctival Disorders: Conjunctival disorders, like pink eye, are eye infections affecting the conjunctiva, and early detection through regular eye exams helps prevent complications and spread.
• Nystagmus: Regular eye check-ups are vital because early identification of nystagmus, a condition causing uncontrolled eye movements, allows for timely intervention and management, potentially minimizing long-term effects.
• Supranuclear Ocular Palsy: To prevent severe vision problems associated with supranuclear ocular palsy, proactive eye health monitoring, including regular eye exams, is essential for early diagnosis and appropriate management.
• Colored Haloes Similar to that of Glaucoma: If you notice colored rings around lights, similar to the halos described in glaucoma, it's vital to consult an eye doctor promptly for proper evaluation and treatment to prevent vision damage.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Meghan OD offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Peripheral Angiograms: To proactively safeguard your vision, a peripheral angiogram allows your doctor to thoroughly examine the blood vessels supplying your retina, helping identify potential problems before they affect your sight.
• Punctal Plug Removal: To improve your eye health, punctal plug removal can be performed to address tear deficiency and reduce discomfort associated with dry eyes.
• Tilt_Testing: As part of a comprehensive eye exam, tilt testing helps your doctor screen for conditions affecting both your balance and vision, allowing for timely intervention.
• Avastin® Injection (Co-management): Protecting your vision through timely intervention, co-management of Avastin® injections helps prevent serious complications and preserve your eyesight.
• Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Co-management): For advanced cataract removal, co-management of femtosecond laser-assisted surgery allows for personalized care and helps detect and address potential problems early, maintaining optimal eye health.
• Phakic Refractive Lens Implantation (Co-management): Protect your long-term eye health by considering phakic refractive lens implantation; our co-management ensures a smooth and safe procedure, helping you avoid future vision problems.
• Prism Lenses: As part of your comprehensive eye exam, prism lenses may be recommended to correct binocular vision problems, ensuring proper eye coordination and preventing future vision complications.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Optometry Services in Florida.

Dr. Meghan OD is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By promptly addressing the early signs of a potential hordeolum, a patient avoided the discomfort and potential complications associated with infection, maintaining eye health and comfort.
• By attending regular infant eye exams, a family proactively identified and managed potential primary congenital glaucoma, ensuring their child's optimal vision development and peace of mind.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Optometric care with Dr. Meghan OD:

What is an Optometrist, and how are they different from an Ophthalmologist?

An optometrist (OD) is a primary eye care provider who performs comprehensive eye exams, prescribes glasses and contact lenses, and diagnoses and manages many eye conditions. Ophthalmologists (MDs) are medical doctors specializing in eye surgery.

How often should I get a comprehensive eye exam, even if I see well?

A comprehensive eye exam every one to two years is crucial, even if your vision is good. These exams aren't just about seeing clearly; they're vital for detecting silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy early, when treatment is most effective.

Can an eye exam detect other health problems in my body?

Yes, a comprehensive eye exam can detect early signs of systemic diseases. The eye is the only place where blood vessels can be viewed directly without surgery, allowing the detection of conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases.

What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults, affecting the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. There are "dry" and "wet" forms, and regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and management to preserve sight.

My eyes often feel dry and gritty. What can I do?

Dry eye is a very common condition. Dr. Meghan OD can diagnose the underlying cause and recommend a personalized treatment plan, which may include prescription eye drops or in-office procedures, to improve your comfort and prevent damage.

I have something in my eye. Should I come here first?

Yes, absolutely. For issues like eye infections, corneal scratches, or foreign objects, an optometrist is the ideal first point of contact. We are equipped to diagnose and treat these urgent issues, often preventing a long and costly visit to the emergency room.

What are the signs of a cataract?

Common signs of cataracts include blurry or dim vision, increased glare from lights, fading or yellowing of colors, and frequent changes in glasses prescription. Dr. Meghan OD can diagnose and monitor cataracts.

What is an OCT scan?

An OCT scan is an advanced imaging technology that uses light to create incredibly detailed, cross-sectional pictures of the retina and optic nerve. Dr. Meghan OD uses this to detect and monitor diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration with precision.

77 N Cattlemen Rd
Sarasota FL 34243
Phone: (941) 893-6109

Dr. Meghan Loher, OD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1962884684

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Optometry Services like Dr. Meghan OD are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your optometry about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.